The 7 Best Travel Hair Products to Prevent Hair Damage on Vacation

Managing hair care routines while on vacation can often feel like a challenge. Factors like weather changes, water quality, and humidity can wreak havoc on your hair.

If you’re someone who prefers simplicity and a “less is more” approach to hair care, you’re in the right spot. I prefer simplicity while traveling—opting for easy-to-follow routines, with products that fit in my favorite cosmetic bag.

We’ve put together a list of our favorite travel-friendly hair products—ones that are easy to use, easy to pack, and will keep your hair looking fabulous throughout all your travel adventures.

Best Travel Size Hair Products

1. K18 Mini Leave-In Repair Hair Mask

The K18 Mini Leave-In Repair Hair Mask Treatment is a game-changer for all hair types, boasting a highly concentrated formula that’s both vegan and cruelty-free.

Ideal for those with bleach-damaged or heat-stressed hair, it’s the perfect remedy for reviving tired locks.

For optimal results, it’s crucial to closely follow the instructions: Begin by shampooing your hair (but don’t condition), lightly towel dry hair, then massage just one pump of the treatment into damp hair, ensuring even distribution from the ends to the roots.

There’s no need to wash the product out. Repeat this process for the next four washes to kickstart your hair’s rejuvenation journey. Following this initial phase, incorporate the mask into your routine once a week for ongoing maintenance and nourishment.

Why we love k18:

If you invest in just one item from our list, let it be K18!

It works wonders in as little as 4 minutes, making it a quick and efficient solution for busy travelers. I purchased K18 last year to use during our 6-week trip throughout Portugal and Africa! I was astounded by how it transformed my hair—leaving it incredibly soft, shiny, and free of those pesky wiry ends.

2. Silk Pillow Case

Did you know that fabrics like cotton tend to absorb your hair’s oils, leaving you with dry, frizzy strands come morning?

Using silk pillowcases can work wonders in preventing hair breakage and retaining moisture while you sleep. Unlike cotton or linen, silk is less porous, allowing your hair to maintain its natural moisture levels throughout the night.

Our top picks for silk pillowcases are Brooklinen and Blissy, both offering high-quality and durable 100% Pure Mulberry Silk. Though the initial investment may come as a surprise compared to traditional cotton pillowcases, they are undoubtedly worth it. Believe me, the cheaper alternatives we ordered were super thin and faded very quickly!

The thin silk material makes it easy to pack in any suitcase. We slip our Brooklinen silk pillowcases over the pillows that our Airbnb or hotel rooms provide.

3. Satin Scrunchies

Choosing satin scrunchies is a smart move for your hair—they’re smooth, reducing tugging and breakage while minimizing friction that leads to split ends and damage.

On all our travels, we make sure to have Kitsch Satin hair ties with us. They’re not just cute—they feel incredibly soft and luxurious. Plus, unlike traditional hair ties, they won’t leave creases in your hair. They’re durable, stretchy, and gentle on your locks, so you can say goodbye to hair breakage.

Bed-Time Hair Tips: try adding 1 or 2 braids to your hair and secure the ends with a satin scrunchie to help prevent breakage while you sleep.

4. Herbal Hair Care

If you’re new to exploring herbal remedies, you need to check out Organic Olivia! We’ve been loyal fans of Organic Olivia’s incredible products for nearly 8 years now, and let me tell you, they’re a game-changer. Olivia’s lineup boasts a wide array of top-notch products with an array of benefits. Her website is a go-to source of herbal wisdom and holistic health tips.

Whether you’re grappling with sleep issues, hormonal imbalances, gut health concerns, skin troubles, or anything in between, Organic Olivia has just the thing with her herbal drops and supplements.

One of our absolute favorites from the Organic Olivia collection is Mane Magic—a true lifesaver for your hair. Inspired by the timeless principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mane Magic is all about boosting healthy blood flow to nourish and protect those precious hair follicles.

Plus, it couldn’t be simpler to use—just add the recommended drops to your water or juice in the morning, and you’re good to go! With each bottle lasting a solid 5-6 weeks, Mane Magic is your ticket to long-lasting hair health and radiance. Trust us, your hair will thank you!

Note on traveling: If you want to take Mane Magic with you in your carry-on, you’ll need to transfer the herbal drops into a small TSA-approved bottle. You can find a variety of handy containers like these on Amazon.

5. UV Hair Sun Protection

If you’re heading to sunny destinations, be sure to grab a bottle of Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil! This lightweight mist offers water-resistant UV defense to shield your hair from sun exposure.

There’s nothing worse than returning from a beach vacation with dull, brassy hair due to too much sun. This product is a breeze to use—simply spray it on before hitting the beach.

For even better protection and nourishment, you can pair it with our favorite Aveda leave-in hair conditioner, suitable for use on both wet and dry hair.

6. Stream2Sea Leave-in Hair Conditioner

We’re all too familiar with the damaging effects of chlorine from swimming pools and intense sun exposure on our hair! To combat this damage while on vacation, consider picking up a bottle of Stream2Sea Leave-In Conditioner. If you’ve read my previous articles, you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of Stream2Sea products, especially their non-toxic sunscreens!

This leave-in conditioner is not only biodegradable but also packed with natural ingredients like green tea, tulsi, and olive leaf to nourish your hair. You’ll love that it’s free from harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, parabens, and octinoxate.

Before taking a plunge into the water, give your hair a quick rinse with fresh water, then apply the leave-in conditioner for added protection and hydration!

Note: you can not fly with this 6oz bottle in your carry-on bag. Try out the Stream2Sea sample-sized kit or purchase a leak-proof cosmetic bottle set.

7. Visit a Head Spa

While on vacation, why not treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation experience by visiting a Japanese head spa or another reputable hair care professional nearby?

Head spas offer a unique and rejuvenating experience, focusing specifically on scalp health and hair rejuvenation. From soothing scalp massages to customized treatments tailored to your hair’s specific needs, a visit to a head spa can leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the rest of your vacation.

In wrapping up, keeping your hair healthy on the go is doable with the right products and care routine. Whether you’re shielding your strands from sun and chlorine with Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil or giving yourself a treat with a visit to a Japanese head spa, there are plenty of ways to keep your locks looking fabulous during your travels. Don’t forget to pack essentials like silk pillowcases and scrunchies for added protection while you sleep, and consider boosting your hair health from the inside out with herbal supplements like Mane Magic from Organic Olivia. By incorporating these tips and products into your travel plans, you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest while keeping your hair healthy, happy, and looking its best.

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